As I sit here in 2026, reminiscing about my gaming adventures over the past couple of years, I can't help but marvel at how Genshin Impact's Natlan region transformed the gameplay experience when it was introduced. The Hydro Saurian companion that debuted with version 5.0 back in 2024 remains one of the most innovative exploration mechanics I've encountered in my decades as a professional gamer.

The Majestic Water Dragons of Natlan

When I first transformed into the Hydro Saurian, it felt like slipping into a second skin crafted from liquid silk. These magnificent creatures, which evolved over countless years in Natlan's diverse ecosystem, became instant favorites among the player community. Unlike the hostile monsters we typically battle, these dragons live harmoniously with Natlan's people, serving as both guardians and transportation.

The Hydro Saurian, with its dolphin-like features, moves through water with the grace of a calligrapher's brush on ancient parchment. Its long ears, four powerful legs, and mesmerizing colorful eyes make it visually distinct from any other creature in Teyvat. When I first commanded it to leap from the water's surface, it shot skyward like a champagne cork from a bottle shaken by an enthusiastic bartender – powerful, precise, and with just a touch of showmanship.

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The Three Guardians of Natlan

The Hydro Saurian is just one of three elemental dragons that HoYoverse introduced with Natlan. Each represents a different element – Hydro, Dendro, and Geo – and possesses unique physical characteristics and abilities:

  1. Hydro Saurian - The water dragon with dolphin-like features

  2. Surface swimming capability

  3. Spectacular jumping abilities

  4. Land traversal

  5. Cannot dive deeply underwater

  6. Dendro Saurian - The forest guardian

  7. Specialized for forest navigation

  8. Unique camouflage abilities

  9. Special interaction with Natlan's flora

  10. Geo Saurian - The earth burrower

  11. Underground travel capabilities

  12. Drill-like head for terrain navigation

  13. Enhanced climbing abilities

What fascinated me most during my hundreds of hours exploring Natlan was the territorial nature of these magnificent beasts. Attempting to enter Dendro or Geo tribal territories while in Hydro Saurian form resulted in an immediate rejection – as if I'd tried to use a library card at a nightclub. The screen would darken, and a notice would appear, forcing me to respect the ancient boundaries these creatures had established.

Beyond the Water: Limitations and Abilities

The Hydro Saurian transformed how I approached water exploration in Genshin Impact. Before its introduction, swimming was a stamina-draining chore that limited exploration. Now, gliding across Natlan's waters feels as natural as walking.

However, like a sports car with no off-road capabilities, the Hydro Saurian has its limitations. It can't dive into the depths, instead skimming along the surface like a perfectly thrown stone. And should you attempt to leave Natlan while in Saurian form? The game responds with the digital equivalent of a bouncer's firm hand on your shoulder – a darkened screen and a polite but unmistakable notice to turn back.

The Complete Natlan Experience

The introduction of these Saurians was just one facet of the massive version 5.0 update that brought Natlan to life. The region, dedicated to the Pyro Archon, came packed with:

  • ✨ New cosmetics that reflected Natlan's vibrant culture

  • 🗡️ Region-specific weapons with unique passive abilities

  • 📦 Treasure chests with Natlan-themed rewards

  • 👥 Characters like Mualani, Kinich, and Kachina who quickly became fan favorites

  • 🔄 Quality-of-life improvements that made exploration more intuitive

The Legacy of Natlan's Dragons

Now in 2026, as we look back at how these companions changed the game, it's clear that the Saurians were more than just a movement mechanic – they were a masterclass in environmental storytelling. Through their territorial behaviors, unique abilities, and visual design, they taught us about Natlan's ecology and culture without a single line of exposition.

For professional gamers like myself, they also introduced new speedrunning strategies and exploration techniques that we're still optimizing today. The ability to chain Hydro Saurian jumps with character abilities has created some of the most technical and satisfying movement combos in the game.

As Genshin Impact continues to evolve, the Saurians of Natlan remain a benchmark for what companion creatures in open-world games can be – not just tools for faster travel, but living, breathing extensions of the world's lore and design philosophy. If you haven't returned to Natlan recently, I highly recommend revisiting these magnificent creatures. They're like old friends now – the kind that can jump fifty feet in the air and swim through raging rivers without breaking a sweat.